Partners and supporters of the Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC) took center stage during recognition ceremonies held in Quezon City on July 3.
With the theme “Growing Together: Honoring Commitment, Cultivating Hope,” the event was organized by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the Million Trees Foundation Inc. (MTFI). It also coincided with the 2025 pledging session, where partners committed to planting trees in critical watersheds.
MTFI Executive Director Melandrew Velasco credited collaboration with institutional partners for AMTC’s steady growth and its expansion into a national campaign. MTFI Chairman Emeritus Gen. Reynaldo Velasco (Ret.) said the project has transformed from a dream of planting one million trees into a flourishing movement.
MWSS concessionaires, including Maynilad and Manila Water, joined the event, while Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, represented by Kristine Lea Gaon, praised the initiative for restoring ecosystems. Acting DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla, in a message read by Engr. Gilbert Gonzales, underscored the importance of tree care and commended AMTC’s success.
A posthumous tribute was given to Usec. Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano, who had pledged 500,000 trees nationwide. PBIDC Executive Director Butch Madarang accepted the award and renewed their commitment to bamboo propagation.
Since its 2017 launch, AMTC has planted more than 10.3 million trees across nearly 26,000 hectares, including 1.98 million seedlings in 2024 alone, surpassing the previous year’s record.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “MWSS, MTFI honor partners for planting 8.3-million trees in watersheds”